BSc (Hons) Sociology
Student profile
Natasha Gohel - BSc (Hons) Sociology with Psychology
I had studied sociology for A-level, and was very interested in psychology, so being able to combine both areas at Portsmouth was very appealing to my own interests. The modules are set up to relate to real people in real-life situations at the same time as looking at the wider theories, and the lecturers are great at being approachable as part of their teaching.
There’s also useful support from departments like Academic Skills, with their study workshops, and Student Finance, who backed me up when a delayed student loan was causing obvious problems. The library is set up to help concentration, with some areas for silence and others for group conversations – and librarians to keep us in line. I think the experiment with 24-hour opening is going to be amazing.
Outside the degree, I do socialise a lot, going to the cinema or for nights out with friends – I wouldn’t have met the kinds of people I did here anywhere else, so it’s the type of city that really opens your mind. There’s so much to do that you can really lose track of time – days, even!
After I graduate, I want to do a PGCE and teach in secondary schools. The university’s Purple Door agency helped me a lot in choosing a career, and through them I’ve been offered the chance to mentor secondary-school children, which is a great opportunity (and it’s even paid). Overall, I know I have really matured through this course, growing in confidence and financial awareness, and in mastering the balance of formal and informal working with my lecturers that will be vital for my future career.
Jordan Kennedy - BSc (Hons) Sociology
My choice to come to Portsmouth was originally because the idea of living by the sea really appealed to me. After seeing the University, I liked all aspects of it. I chose the BSc (Hons) Sociology course because I really enjoyed sociology when I studied it at A-level and wanted to explore it deeper. After graduation, I plan to do my PGCE and then become a primary school teacher.
The best part about the course for me is that it is full of variety. There are a number of different units that cover a range of subjects. Particular favourites of mine have been the units ‘Self and Society’, ‘Sociology of the Media’ and ‘Crime and deviance’.
The facilities of the University are all of a high standard. The Library has a large computer room as well as other computers in other buildings, which are in quieter areas. The Library itself is split into different sections of noise levels, which means there is a place for whatever environment you work better in.
The Students Union is a great place to go to socialise with friends, eat or just relax.
Whilst at university, I have greatly developed my academic skills. I have learnt how to reference and effectively write essays. Being at university has helped me to grow as a person as I have had to become more independent, especially with regards to budgeting and money. Outside lectures, I love to socialise with friends and meeting new people.
I think that Portsmouth is a great city with plenty of things to do. There are many bars, shops and restaurants. There is always something to do, with lots of places offering student deals.
Nicholas Thain - BSc (Hons) Sociology
Nicholas spent some time travelling around France, visiting some of his mother's family and learning the language before thinking about university.
He initially applied to Portsmouth to study French, but changed to Sociology when he realised this was his stronger and preferred subject.
'I enjoy learning the theory on the course and applying it. The lecturers are very well respected sociologists.'
'My dream career would be in music or novelwriting. I am planning on completing an MA when I graduate as I would like to be a professional academic and develop my own theories.'
Rachel West - BSc (Hons) Sociology
Sociology at Portsmouth is diverse. The material covered is wide ranging, offering more than the basics of the discipline. The lecturers are very approachable and they have a lot of relevant experience.
Support facilities at the University are very good, particularly the Academic Skills Unit, which offers support in things like exam preparation and referencing and the Library's resources are extensive.
Personally, I like the fact that the University is not campus based. You really feel like you are part of the city and living by the sea gives you the best of both worlds.